Boutique Luxury Cruising in Europe: Azamara and Why Your Next Great Adventure Happens After the Sun Sets.
- Cyndi
- Jan 13
- 5 min read
For many travelers, the word "cruise" brings a very specific, and often polarizing, set of images: massive floating cities, thousand-person dining rooms, and the frantic 4:00 PM dash back to the pier to avoid being left behind.
If you’ve spent your life prioritizing independent travel, culture and local connection, that "get back on the bus" feeling is the exact opposite of a vacation (I agree, I felt the same for a long time). But this is where boutique luxury cruising in Europe comes in handy!
There is a middle ground between the logistics of a DIY land tour and the cookie cutter nature of mass-market cruising. It’s a space occupied by our next boutique cruise line, Azamara. This boutique line has quietly revolutionized the industry by focusing on the one thing travelers actually want: more time in a destination.
At Tailor Made Travel Studio, I specialize in "seamless luxury”, experiences that are curated, stress-free, and meaningful to YOU. Azamara fits this perfectly because they’ve stopped treating the ship as the destination and started treating it as a key that unlocks the world’s most iconic city centers.
This post is part two of my Boutique Cruises Spotlight—if you missed it, you can start here where I break down the basics of why I love this style of travel.
Boutique Luxury Cruising in Europe: The Difference Is More Time in Port
The most significant barrier to enjoying a traditional cruise is the "ticking clock." On a standard itinerary, you might dock at 8:00 am and be sailing away by 5:00 pm. You see the highlights, but you miss the soul of the city.
Azamara’s "Destination Immersion" philosophy flips this script. Their itineraries are built around late-night departures and overnight stays. When more than half of your time is spent in port, the ship becomes a boutique hotel that just happens to move you to the next beautiful location while you sleep. Again, this is the beauty of a trip like this where you can UNPACK ONCE.
Late-Night Departures: Many sailings depart at 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm
Overnight Stays: Azamara offers the most overnights in its category, including "double overnights" in cities like Bordeaux.
Unrushed Pacing: 80% of your total time is spent in port, allowing you to have a five-star dinner or evening in a local gem in town rather than rushing back for a buffet.
The Small Ship Advantage: Strategic Docking and Deep Access.
Three European Case Studies
Size matters in the maritime world. While the industry builds larger and larger vessels, Azamara operates a fleet of four intimate ships carrying just 700 guests. This allows them to dock in city centers that are physically off-limits to the big ships.
Seville, Spain: Docking in the Heart of Andalusia
Most travelers visiting Seville on a cruise dock in Cádiz—an industrial port over 90 minutes away. Azamara ships navigate the Guadalquivir River to dock right in the city center.
The Difference: You walk off the ship and you are there.
The Late Night: With overnights common in Seville, you can enjoy a midnight flamenco performance or a late-night tapas crawl through the Santa Cruz quarter without rushing for a bus.
Bordeaux, France: The Port de la Lune
While mega-ships are relegated to Le Verdon (two hours away), Azamara sails up the Garonne River to dock at the foot of Bordeaux’s historic center.
The Difference: You are steps from the Place de la Bourse and world-class shopping.
The Overnight: This allows for a full day in the vineyards of Saint-Émilion followed by a leisurely dinner at a local bistro, watching the city light up over the water.
Explore France Intensive Voyages
The Amalfi Coast, Italy: Beyond the Naples Transit
While mass-market ships dock in the commercial chaos of Naples, Azamara’s size allows it to anchor directly off Amalfi or Positano.
The Difference: Instead of a long ferry or bus ride, you take a quick tender directly into the heart of these vertical towns.
The Late Night: Many sailings feature 11:00 PM departures. You get the town back to yourself for those few magical hours after the day-trippers have left.
See Italy Intensive Itineraries
Destination | The "Boutique Advantage" | The Late Night Experience | Overnights |
Seville, Spain | Docks in the city center, not 90 min away | Flamenco and tapas | At least one, with some special voyages offering double (meaning 3 days) |
Bordeaux, France | Docks at the Port de la Lune, steps away from shops. | Dinner in town while the city illuminates | Up to 2 nights in Bordeaux |
Amalfi Coast, Italy | Achors off Positano avoiding Naples commute | Cocktails after the day trippers have already left | No overnights here but late departures are usually at 10 pm. Overnights are often Civitaveccia (Rome) or sometimes Sorrento. |
Insight: I love these itineraries because they eliminate the "logistics lag". You spend more of your time exploring, not sitting on a transfer bus.
The Pricing Philosophy: "Entry level Luxury”
One of the biggest pain points for my clients is the "hidden cost" of travel. Azamara operates on an Inclusive Fare model. It’s not "ultra-luxury" (where every single thing is included), but it covers the essentials that make a trip feel seamless.
What’s Included:
All-Day Beverages: Select spirits, beers, wines, and specialty coffees are included. No "drink packages" to calculate unless you want top-shelf labels.
Gratuities: Tips for the staff are already covered in your fare.
AzAmazing Evenings: Most sailings include a bespoke, off-ship cultural event—like a private symphony in an ancient ruin—exclusive to guests.
Self-Service Laundry: A small but vital luxury for those on longer journeys. (Anyone who has traveled long trips knows how critical this is!)
The "A La Carte" Elements: Shore excursions (which they call "Elevated Excursions") are extra, as are spa treatments and specialty dining. However, for those who want a truly "all-in" feel, I often recommend the Experience More packages which bundle WiFi, shore excursion credits, and premium beverage upgrades.
In The News: Why Azamara is Trending in 2026
Destination Immersion® Elevated: A new initiative featuring 150 destination-inspired dishes.
2026 Solar Eclipse Sailings: Boutique ships positioned in the path of totality.
2027 World Voyage: 188 nights for the ultimate deep dive.
Curious how Azamara compares to other luxury options? Read my recent deep dive into Windstar Cruises for those who crave romance and adventure!
Planning for a Group
Azamara is perfect for multi-gen families or friends. You can secure group benefits with as few as 8 staterooms. As your advisor, I can hold space and manage the complexity of a group booking so you don't have to. Plus add some VIP perks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are kids allowed on Azamara? Yes, but there are no dedicated kids' clubs or onboard "waterparks". It is an adult-focused environment best for teens who love culture.
What is the dress code? It is "Resort Casual". There are no formal nights—think smart, elegant, and comfortable.
How is Azamara different from a river cruise? It’s the "river cruise of the ocean"—you get the docking convenience and destination focus of a river cruise with the dining variety of an ocean vessel.
Ready to Explore?
Let's find a voyage that gives your the time your deserve!
Hi, I'm Cyndi Smith, a passionate traveler, certified Windstar Cruise specialist and owner Tailor Made Travel Studio. I craft tailored travel experiences for busy people who want to travel the world ease and a little bit of luxury!
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